In recent years, the rising incidence of cancer in India has drawn widespread attention. According to a report from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), cancer cases are going to be 15.7 lakh by 2025, and this is raising an alarm concerning lifestyle-related cancers. While genetics and age are factors as well, a new trend is emerging based on lifestyle. Thankfully, though there is much hope now since living with a conscious lifestyle can duly reduce the risks of having this disease.

Tobacco and Alcohol: The Silent Killers

Quitting tobacco is the most important lifestyle change for reducing the cancer risk. India has more than 266 million tobacco users, which is approximately 12% of all the smokers across the world. The forms of smoking and smokeless types of tobacco consumption form over 30% of all cancer cases in India. Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers and primarily caused by smoking. According to various studies, quitting smoking may reduce the risk of developing cancer by 30–50%. Another modifiable risk factor is alcohol, which has been associated with cancers of the liver, mouth, throat, and breast.

The Link Between Lifestyle and Cancer

Lifestyle factors such as a bad diet, lack of exercise, alcohol, and tobacco contribute to cancers like lung, breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer. The challenges of cancer risks in India have increased with pollution, stress, and the consumption of more processed foods. To counter this, healthy diets, active living, reduction in tobacco and alcohol use, and awareness regarding the effects of pollution on health should be promoted to lower the incidence of cancer.

The Essential Role of Diet and Nutrition in the Prevention of Cancer

New studies have emerged that diet is important in the prevention of cancer. In particular, diets with high intake of red and processed meats and diets high in refined sugars and unhealthy fats are associated with increased risks of colon, stomach, and breast cancers. Diets like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins reduce many types of cancer. Antioxidants, flavonoids, and carotenoids in phytochemicals in plant-based foods have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, the two major causes of cancer. Traditional Indian diets rich in spices, vegetables, and whole grains provide natural resistance to cancer. Changing lifestyles by avoiding processed and fast foods and increasing more plant-based foods can drastically decrease the risk of cancer.



Exercise and Weight Management

Physical inactivity is one of the major risks for cancer. When added to poor dietary habits, a sedentary lifestyle leads to obesity and, subsequently, an increased risk for 13 types of cancers, including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer. A healthy weight is very well maintained by the practice of exercising moderately for 30 minutes during the day by walking, cycling, or swimming daily. It can boost immunity levels and prevent the growth of a cancerous cell.

Managing Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress and poor mental health have been linked to cancer, particularly through the inhibition of immune function. Stress elevates cortisol levels, a hormone that can facilitate inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are associated with cancer. Activities, such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing, all practised in Indian culture, can mitigate the effect of stress and elevate general well-being. Improved management of stress improves the immune system, meaning that chances of cancer are decreased.

Government Initiatives and Public Awareness

The Indian government realised the importance of preventive health care in the fight against cancer and took measures like the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS) to raise awareness regarding lifestyle changes and early detection, which may result in a decrease in the incidence of death due to cancer. Cancer prevention education incorporated into public health messages, schools, and the workplace shall be useful in promoting health in society and controlling further growth of cancer cases in India.
In brief, it is in our hands to prevent cancer in India; it can be done with minor lifestyle changes—healthy nutrition, activity, and staying away from tobacco, for instance—and drastically diminishing risk. Let's work as a society to create this healthy, cancer-free life for future generations.

(Dr. Mukesh Patekar, Unit Head - Medical Oncology, Artemis Hospitals)